Method and apparatus for testing heat detectors

Abstract

A method and apparatus for safely and conveniently testing heat detectors mounted at an elevated location above a ground surface. A package containing a composition formulated to react exothermically but non-flammably upon exposure to ambient air sustains a temperature sufficient to activate the heat detectors under feet for a period of at least a few minutes. The package is placed in a holder supported on a long handle for raising the package into close proximity to the heat detector. After initiating the exothermic reaction, as by tearing an envelope containing the reactive composition, an operator standing on the ground under the heat detector elevates the package into contact with or close proximity to the heat detector.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for testing heat detectors mounted at an elevated location above a ground surface, comprising the steps of: providing a package containing a composition formulated to react exothermically but non-flammably so as to sustain a temperature sufficient to activate the heat detectors under test for a period of at least a few minutes upon exposure to ambient air;   exposing the contents of the package to ambient air to initiate the exothermic reaction; and   elevating the package into contact with or close proximity to each heat detector.   
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of elevating comprises the steps of: providing a substantially rigid extension having a handle end and a holder at an opposite end;   placing the package in said holder; and raising said extension to bring said holder with said package into close proximity to each heat detector while standing on the ground surface under the heat detector.   
     
     
       3. The method of claim 2 wherein said step of placing the package in said holder further comprises the step of securing the package to said holder to keep the package from falling away from the holder during said raising. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 1 wherein said package includes an air tight envelope and said step of exposing comprises the step of opening said envelope. 
     
     
       5. Apparatus for testing heat detectors mounted at an elevated location above a ground surface, comprising: an initially air tight package containing a composition formulated to react exothermically but non-flammably so as to sustain a temperature sufficient to activate the heat detectors under test for a period of at least a few minutes upon exposure to ambient air, said air tight package being adapted to be opened for initiating exothermic reaction of said composition; and   an extension having a handle end and a holder for receiving said package at an opposite end, said extension being of sufficient length for reaching the heat detector while being held by an operator standing on the ground surface under the detector.   
     
     
       6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said composition includes finely powdered iron oxide and is formulated to sustain a temperature in the range of 110 to about 160 degrees Fahrenheit for at least a few minutes upon exposure to ambient air. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said holder further comprises retaining means operative for securing the package to said holder. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said holder is cup shaped with a cup bottom affixed to said extension and an open end defined by a cup wall, and means for securing said package within said cup. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said open end is circular and said cup shape has a frustro-cylindrical inner wall. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said means for securing comprise a retainer dimensioned to make a friction fit in said cup in spaced relationship to said bottom for containing said package therebetween. 
     
     
       11. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said extension is a pole of relatively lightweight material. 
     
     
       12. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said extension is made up of sections of relatively lightweight tubing separably joined together to make up said sufficient length. 
     
     
       13. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said extension is at least two feet in length. 
     
     
       14. Apparatus for testing heat detectors mounted at an elevated location above a ground surface, comprising: an initially air tight package adapted to being torn for admitting ambient air thereinto, said package containing a composition including finely powdered iron oxide and formulated to react exothermically and to sustain a temperature in the range of 110 to about 160 degrees Fahrenheit for at least a few minutes upon exposure to ambient air, said air tight package being adapted to be torn open for initiating exothermic reaction of said composition; and   an extension at least two feet in length having a handle end and a holder at an opposite end, said holder being adapted to hold said package for lifting into contact or close proximity to said heat detector by an operator standing on said ground surface and holding said extension.